Methods for generating power from miniature electrical generators and power sources

Abstract

A method for generating electrical power, the method including: storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
 storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and 
 moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; 
 wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising preventing an unintended movement from the engaging position to the power generating position. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising preloading the elastic element to store the potential energy. 
     
     
       4. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
 converting a translation of a translating member slidably disposed in a structure into a rotation of a shaft operatively coupled to the translating member upon an application of a force to the translating member; and 
 engaging an input shaft of a generator with the shaft only when the shaft rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising biasing the translating element against the application of the force. 
     
     
       6. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
 converting a translation of the translating member slidably disposed in a structure to a rotation of a rotating member operatively coupled to the translating member upon an application of a force to the translating member; 
 engaging the input shaft of a generator with the rotating member only when the rotating member rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. 
 
     
     
       7. The Method of  claim 6 , further comprising biasing the translating element against the application of the force.